I'm gearing up to start a 35-gallon FOWLR tank. As it's my first endeavor into SW, I asked the guy at my local LFS (who specialize in SW) a few questions. Well, his answers didn't strike me as the most insightful, and I'd like to compare notes with you guys.
He was strongly of the opinion that LR would be a complete waste of my time unless I wanted to go full-blown reef and he kept trying to push me toward decorative rock.
He also tried to hard-sell me a Bak-Pak skimmer/filter combo. Now, I've gathered that these are well thought of, overall. But I would very much like to minimize the need for mechanical filtration if possible. I do not mean to say that I don't want a skimmer. I've seen enough here to believe in them.
When I asked him about a refugium, he expressed a dim view of them, stating that you need special mud that costs $75.00 for a small bag which you have to replenish every six months.
When I asked about sand, he suggested I go with crushed coral but could buy sand "if I really wanted to."
Please tell me I'm not crazy in wanting a 35-gallon FOWLR tank with the future potential for going full-on reef, with minimal mechanical filtration.
Any input is appreciated.
He was strongly of the opinion that LR would be a complete waste of my time unless I wanted to go full-blown reef and he kept trying to push me toward decorative rock.
He also tried to hard-sell me a Bak-Pak skimmer/filter combo. Now, I've gathered that these are well thought of, overall. But I would very much like to minimize the need for mechanical filtration if possible. I do not mean to say that I don't want a skimmer. I've seen enough here to believe in them.
When I asked him about a refugium, he expressed a dim view of them, stating that you need special mud that costs $75.00 for a small bag which you have to replenish every six months.
When I asked about sand, he suggested I go with crushed coral but could buy sand "if I really wanted to."
Please tell me I'm not crazy in wanting a 35-gallon FOWLR tank with the future potential for going full-on reef, with minimal mechanical filtration.
Any input is appreciated.